Moose

Description: Moose are the largest mammals in Idaho. They love living in forested areas, near water, where they can forage for water-growing plants. They are very interesting looking creatures; they have very stout bodies with very long legs. Their color varies from dark brown, black, reddish-brown to gray, depending on the season. They also have a dangling, hairy “dewlap,” that hangs beneath their muzzle. The male moose grows large, flat antlers and the female has none.

A male moose, called a "bull"

Habitat: Moose love forested areas, but they will also venture out in meadows to feed.

Food: Moose love to eat the leaves from shrubs and will also eat bark. They readily wade or swim in streams, lakes or rivers, where they forage for aquatic vegetation. Moose are great swimmers, and they often swim to escape predators such as wolves.

Fun Facts: Moose may dive and stay up to 50 seconds underwater while feeding. Even moose calves are excellent swimmers.